The question is often asked, “What will have the greatest impact on the value of my property for the least amount of effort time and money.”
Gerhard van der Linde, Managing Director of Seeff Pretoria East has some practical suggestions. Wear and tear will have an influence on the value of a property over time, and the truth is that we become so used to what we see, that we no longer notice the obvious issues in the house we are living in. Unfortunately, these are the first things that a buyer will notice.
One seldom gets a second chance to make a first impression which is true also for any house that is placed on the market. Look at your house through the eyes of a buyer who sees it the first time. What are the things you notice first as you approach the front door? This will include the condition of the gate, the driveway, and front door. Look for signs of peeling paint, weeds in the garden and driveway, cracked windows and gutters that are not properly fixed.
A neat garden and mowed lawn with a clean swimming pool is a great way to attract attention. Plant some flowers in the beds to add colour and make the place feel homier. The exterior is the first thing buyers will see, so you want it to look good. Clean up any junk that may have accumulated in the yard or on the outside of any storage sheds. Go through your home and make sure everything works as it should – from the small things like doorknobs and locks to bigger stuff like your garage door.
Do not do complete renovations unless your agent tells you that he or she believes you can make your money back on the sale. One of the most effective ways to sell your home fast is to price it competitively. If you price it too high, you detract prospective buyers. In addition, it may take longer to settle the negotiation processif prospective buyers want your price to come down.
Lastly, says Van der Linde, ensure that all compliance issues are dealt with prior to placing the home on the market. These include compliance certificates in respect of electricity, electrical fencing, gas installations, approved municipal plans and any other requirements that may be necessary in your
area. The property inspection report must be completed and signed by the seller prior to commencement of the marketing, and if the seller is aware of any latent defects in the property, this must be disclosed in this report.
